Vaginal Infection – What You Need To Know
Caring Since 2005
Caring Since 2005
Dr. Tan & Partners (DTAP) provides holistic and comprehensive Women’s Health services at our Women’s clinics.
Since 2005, our women’s clinics have been treating local and foreign patients with women’s sexual health and reproductive health-related issues.
Our women’s health doctors are experienced in diagnosing, treating and managing women’s health-related problems
We provide a private and discreet environment for you to discuss your medical issues with our female doctors at our DUO Galleria Branch and Robertson Branch.
Screening for a vaginal infection is recommended if you have symptoms suggestive of one (see below), or if you feel well but fall into any of the following categories:
Not every individual with a vaginal infection will show signs – some may remain asymptomatic or display no symptoms.
Possible Signs of Vaginal Infection:
Associated abdominal pain and fever may be signs of a more complicated infection potentially affecting the womb and ovaries (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
Skin changes such as ulcers or bumps can be a sign of an infection as well but will not be covered in this section.
Vaginal infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites (protozoa). Some may be sexually transmitted, while others such as yeast infections, may occur due to disruption of the normal vaginal flora.
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Trichomonas
Mycoplasma
Ureaplasma
Yeast (Candida)
Bacterial Vaginosis
A basic physical examination including a speculum examination will be performed. This often confirms the presence of abnormal discharge and may reveal signs of inflammation.
A high vaginal swab or endocervical swab (taken during the speculum examination) is needed to confirm the specific infection as the appearance of discharge alone is not specific enough, and a few infections may often coexist.
The treatment of vaginal infections may come in the form of oral antibiotics or antifungal medications and/or topical creams or pessaries. The specific choice of therapy depends on the causative organism.
For sexually transmitted infections:
Certain sexually transmitted infections e.g. chlamydia and gonorrhoea, if left untreated, may spread upwards to affect the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes and ovaries, resulting in a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease, which may, in turn, lead to scarring and potential infertility.
Some common recurrent vaginal infections include yeast (candida) infections and bacterial vaginosis. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) may also recur if not fully treated.
The identification of triggers such as sexual intercourse and the use of over-the-counter feminine douches may be useful in reducing yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
For sexually transmitted infections, the correct use of condoms/barrier protection, as well as limiting the number of sexual partners reduces the risk of transmission and recurrent infections.
If you are concerned that you may have signs of a vaginal infection, it is best to seek evaluation early; you may call any of our clinics to arrange an appointment and our doctors will be more than glad to address your issue.
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Teleconsultation is available with DTAP Clinic. Our teleconsult service allows both current and new patients to connect with our doctors during clinic operating hours for non-emergency consults.
After assessment and consultation, we will also deliver your medications straight to your doorstep!
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